Welcome to
Gratiot, Michigan

Introduction & History

Strategically situated at the geographic heart of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Gratiot County serves as a vital hub for the areas Agricultural and business needs. Agriculture is a Cornerstone of the County’s economy, with nearly 80% of the land dedicated to farming. The region also boasts a robust agribusiness sector, and we are excited to introduce AcuSpray’s innovative technology and commitment to excellence to this community and its agriculture-based businesses.

Flight Director Spotlight

I have grown up in this community and have sent deep roots here, managing a small cattle farm raising beef and show cattle. Over the past 25 years, I have worked in Geographic Information Sciences, utilizing mapping and drone technologies to gain a comprehensive understanding of the land. As a licensed drone operator since 2017, I am well-versed in the integration of modern technologies with agricultural practices. My qualifications include commercial pesticide and aerial application certifications, as well as specialized certifications in Row cop(1A), Fruit and Vegetable crops (1B,1C), and Golf Course Turf (3A), all of which enable me to provide safe, effective, and sustainable solutions to land and crop management.

Chris Young, AcuSpray drone operator for Gratiot County, MI, wearing branded AcuSpray gear against a sunset agricultural field background.

Exemption under 14 CFR part 11

April 2024

This provides Chris with the necessary regulatory relief to operate under specific federal regulations, allowing for innovative applications in drone operations.

Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate under 14 CFR part 137

Certifies that Chris is authorized to conduct commercial agricultural aircraft operations, which includes dispensing any liquid or solid material for an agricultural purpose.

FAA 14 CFR part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

This certification is essential for legally operating drones for commercial use in the U.S., ensuring Chris adheres to all safety and operational regulations.

Part 61 Medical Certificate

Demonstrates that Chris meets the health and fitness requirements to safely operate aircraft, a prerequisite for responsible drone operation.

National Core Pesticide License and Aerial Pesticide Applicator License

These licenses certify that Chris is trained and qualified to handle and apply pesticides safely and effectively from drones, which is crucial for operations in agriculture.

State of Michigan Supplemental Field Crop Endorsement

This endorsement further validates Chris’s expertise and authorization to handle specific agricultural needs pertinent to the local crops and practices.

Agricultural Endorsement 1A and 1C

These endorsements certify that Chris is qualified to apply agricultural pesticides in both general agricultural settings (1A) and specific agricultural crops (1C). They ensure he can safely manage a wide range of treatments across farm and field environments.

Forest Pest Management

This certification confirms that Chris is trained to identify, treat, and manage pests that impact forests, woodlands, and tree-rich environments. It supports safe and effective pest control practices in natural and managed forest areas.

3A Turf Pest Management

This endorsement verifies Chris’s expertise in diagnosing and treating pests that affect turfgrass. It covers the safe and effective application of pesticides on lawns, sports fields, and other turf areas where pest control is essential.

5 Aquatic Pest Management

This certification authorizes Chris to manage pests in aquatic environments, including ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. It ensures he can apply aquatic-approved treatments responsibly while protecting sensitive ecosystems.

Services

In Gratiot County, Michigan, we provide spray drone services in agriculture, golf, and conservation sectors.

Ready to Transform
Your Operations?

Contact us today to discover how our precision spraying 
solutions can revolutionize your operations. Let’s redefine precision together.